‘This is just the next step for me’: Andy Dalton reveals why he chose to sign with the Cowboys

The TCU product returned home as part of a ‘big-picture plan.'

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) runs the offense against the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, on August 24, 2013.(Michael Ainsworth - Staff Photographer)

“I wanted to join a high-class organization, a team that’s ready to win. And to be with Mike McCarthy, his history with quarterbacks, I think it gives me a chance to come to a new place, a chance to learn, to help Dak [Prescott] out in any way I can, and then just to be an asset for this team.”

Dalton signed a one-year deal with $3 million guaranteed to serve as Dallas’ backup quarterback behind Prescott. But despite the move to Dallas, Dalton is still hopeful to become a starter in NFL again one day.

“I felt like [Dallas] was the best opportunity for this year, and it hopefully sets me up for my future,” he said.

“This was a big-picture plan, and I’m excited. Obviously, for this year, I think it’s a good opportunity for me to learn and be around an offensive coach and be around a great organization.”

By signing with the Cowboys, Dalton also got the chance to come home. A four-year starter at TCU during his college days, the 32-year-old quarterback from Katy still has a house in North Texas.

“Being from Texas, you always follow the Cowboys. I’m originally from the Houston-area, but for a lot of the time when I was growing up the Cowboys were the only team once the Oilers left,” he said.

“So, I think it’ll be cool to play in Dallas. As you’re growing up, you’d love to be a Cowboy.”

However, Dalton doesn’t plan on staying in a Cowboys uniform for long.

As long as Prescott remains in Dallas’ plans, the position of Cowboys’ starting quarterback will be occupied for years to come. And Dalton is still itching for another starting gig of his own.

“I feel like I have a lot of years left. I feel like there’s a lot of good football left for me,” he said.

“And so this year, to hopefully just keep improving and make myself better, and see what happens next March when I become a free agent.”